As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Toronto Raptors have found themselves at the center of a surprising rumor - one that links them to Sacramento Kings All-Star center Domantas Sabonis. With the deadline set for Thursday at noon PT, there’s growing buzz that Toronto, currently sitting at 29-20 and fourth in the Eastern Conference, might be looking to make a serious postseason push by adding a high-impact big man.
Sabonis, still under contract through the 2027-28 season with $94 million remaining, hasn’t exactly been viewed as a movable piece - not because of his talent, but because of the size and length of his deal. But Toronto’s emergence as a potential buyer has turned heads, especially considering where Sacramento sits in the standings: 12-37, buried at the bottom of the West, and clearly shifting into rebuild mode under new general manager Scott Perry.
So, could there be a deal here that works for both sides? One that gives the Raptors a proven frontcourt anchor while helping the Kings hit the reset button?
A hypothetical trade proposal floating around the league - and gaining traction - could look something like this:
To Sacramento:
- RJ Barrett
- Immanuel Quickley
- 2027 first-round pick from Toronto (top-10 protected)
To Toronto:
- Domantas Sabonis
- Dennis Schroder or Malik Monk
Let’s unpack why this deal might actually make sense.
Sacramento’s Side: Rebuild Mode, Familiar Faces
For the Kings, this isn’t just about moving a star - it’s about setting a new foundation. And that starts with players GM Scott Perry knows well.
RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley both have ties to Perry’s time in New York. Perry was in the Knicks’ front office when both players were drafted, and he even negotiated Barrett’s rookie extension. That kind of familiarity matters, especially when you’re trying to build a new culture from the ground up.
Barrett, while not the centerpiece of the deal, is seen as a piece that fits the vision. He’s still young, he’s shown flashes of being a reliable scorer and playmaker, and his connection with Perry could help ease the transition into a new system. Sacramento could use a player like Barrett who brings size on the wing and a bit of shot creation - even if he’s not the franchise cornerstone.
The real swing piece here is the 2027 first-round pick. Top-10 protected, sure, but it’s still a valuable asset for a team that’s trying to stockpile future talent. That pick could become a building block or trade chip down the road.
Then there’s Quickley. This is where things get tricky.
The Quickley Question: Talent vs. Contract
Quickley brings real value as a point guard - something Sacramento could use, especially with their backcourt rotation in flux. He’s in his prime, he can score in bunches, and he’s shown he can run an offense.
But his contract is no small commitment. After this season, he’s owed roughly $32.5 million per year for the next three years.
That’s a lot of money for a player who, while talented, hasn’t quite reached All-Star territory.
Perry reportedly isn’t thrilled about taking on that kind of deal, but if the Kings want to move Sabonis and get a first-rounder in the process, Quickley might be the price of doing business. It’s a compromise - one that gives Sacramento a starting-caliber guard, even if the financials are a bit uncomfortable.
The Other Option: Jakob Poeltl
Toronto could, in theory, swap Quickley out for Jakob Poeltl, who’s also under contract for three more years. But Poeltl’s injury issues this season raise red flags, and his deal - while slightly cheaper annually - comes with a partially guaranteed final year that’s tied to minutes played.
That structure could actually incentivize Sacramento to limit his playing time, just to avoid triggering more guaranteed money. And when you’re rebuilding, the last thing you want is a $20 million backup center sitting on the bench while you develop young talent.
Bottom line: Sacramento doesn’t seem interested in Poeltl. The Kings need a point guard, not another big man with health concerns and a tricky contract.
Toronto’s Angle: Win Now
From the Raptors’ perspective, this is about capitalizing on a season where they’re outperforming expectations. Sitting in the top half of the East, they’ve got a real shot at making noise in the playoffs - but they need help in the frontcourt.
Sabonis gives them exactly that. He’s a proven double-double machine who can anchor an offense with his passing, rebounding, and interior scoring. He’s also under team control for several more years, which gives Toronto some stability at a position they’ve struggled to fill since the departure of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka.
Yes, the contract is hefty. But Sabonis is still in his prime and has shown he can be a focal point on both ends of the floor. If the Raptors believe their current core can contend with the right addition, this is the kind of swing that could pay off.
Adding Schroder or Monk as part of the deal would help balance the roster, giving Toronto either a veteran playmaker or a scoring punch off the bench. Either way, they’d be bolstering their rotation for a postseason run.
Verdict: A Deal That Makes Sense - If the Numbers Line Up
This isn’t a blockbuster in the traditional sense - no MVPs or No. 1 picks are changing hands - but it’s the kind of deal that could quietly reshape both franchises.
For Sacramento, it’s a chance to reset with young players and a future pick while moving off a long-term contract. For Toronto, it’s a bet on the present - a move that says, “We’re ready to compete now.”
Whether it happens or not will come down to how much risk each front office is willing to take. But with the deadline fast approaching, both teams have reason to pick up the phone.